Jerez Day 2: Kamui Kobayashi leads the pack.

Following a grey, wet and miserable first day at Jerez on Wednesday, teams were happy to have the chance to test under drier conditions earlier today.

The sun shone and the Spanish crowds were out in force to see Alonso – especially after Spanish press had leaked that it was the last day that they would have to see their champion in action.

The crowds arrive early to ensure the best possible view

Security was tighter than ever this year, probably due to new management; however no one seemed to mind the heady smell of weed from the grand stand seats as locals came well prepared to witness their hero do his laps with bocatas, chorizo and Cruzcampo in tow...

A packed stand eagerly awaits their hero one Fernando Alonso

i-Marbella bumped into some of our favourite Marbella residents during the training sessions in Jerez, Toni Dalli and the Ferrari Club boys were there, Mario Guarnieri of BMW fame and Carlo from Blue Sky homes amongst others. Carlo was in the Ferrari box and had organized VIP trips round the track for his guests, aside from actually being in one of the race cars and competing, that is as close as you can get to the excitement.

Blue Sky luxury Car Hire's Carlo Mason with some of his lucky guests

The driver line-up was the same as Day 1 with two dfferences: Michael Schumacher took over from to replace Nico Rosberg and Renault decided to put Robert Kubica in the car instead of Vitaly Petrov.

Michael Schumacher in the all new Mercedes W01

Robert Kubica puts the Renault R30 through its paces

Mark Webber had a less troublesome day after his new RB6 which broke down on day 1 was sidelined for several hours for repairs. After completing 129 laps Alonso was able to improve slightly on his time on Day 1. Kamui Kobayashi and the Sauber team finished quickest, although Sébastien Buemi had been leading all day, the Japanese driver topped the timesheets by producing a last-gasp effort.